Citing Classic Literary Works
Classic Prose
When citing classic works of prose like novels, essays and other works
published in various editions, in addition to the page number in the edition
you're using, you should also provide other descriptive information that
would help your readers locate the quote in other editions. Chapter, book
or act numbers are examples of additional information that may be helpful.
Follow this pattern:
(Austen 5; vol. 1, ch. 1)
Classic Plays & Poetry
When citing classic plays and poetry, such as Shakespeare's plays or Greek drama, do not use page numbers at all. Instead, cite quotations by numbered section (act, scene, book, etc.) and line(s), separated by periods.
Unless directed by your teacher, use numbers instead of Roman numerals, even if the edition you're working with uses Roman numerals. Many classic plays, epics, as well as books of the Bible have commonly accepted abbreviations, which you may use in your citations. See Chapter 7 of the MLA Handbook for a list.